Begonia – Ornamental Plant of the Week for April 14, 2014

[Image: BabyWing pink begonia]

Dragon Wing and BabyWing begonias, along with many other series and varieties of begonias, can and should be considered for the warm-season, shady landscape. Dragon Wing and BabyWing have some of the best genetics available.

Begonias are available in many shapes, sizes and flower colors. Foliage colors include green, bronze and red. Typically, the greener-foliaged begonias do best in or require shade while the reddish and bronze begonias tolerate some sunny areas. Rum, Brandy, Whiskey, Vodka and Gin are the varieties in the Cocktail series of begonias – a longtime favorite in the South.

You should seriously consider the BabyWing begonias. Available in pink and white flower forms, these are a Louisiana Super Plants selection from 2012. BabyWing has larger leaves on plants larger than you might expect from the name. Plants reach about 18 inches tall. A bronze-foliaged variety with white flowers wass new for 2013. Partial shade is a great planting location for them, but the BabyWings hold up remarkably well in sunny locations if planted early in spring to allow them to gradually adapt to their growing conditions prior to summer’s arrival.